TheCable

Leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has inaugurated Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria, Kaduna state.

The company said it decided to refurbish the school in line with its commitment to provide opportunities for underprivileged children.

The school has been transformed with six blocks, 12 classrooms, desk and chairs, teachers’ offices, whiteboards, borehole facilities and toilets for male and female students as well as teachers.

Nasir El-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, commended the telco for its role in the development of primary education across the country.

“I urge other stakeholders in corporate Nigeria to emulate Airtel by partnering with the Kaduna State government in supporting educational initiatives,” he said at the inauguration on Wednesday.

“The Kaduna state government thanks Airtel for offering its widow mite and contributions in our quest to revamp education in the state,” he said.

The governor also expressed delight over Airtel’s choice of Yahaya Hamza primary school, noting that it signifies the preservation of the legacies of Yahaya Hamza, whom he described as “a teacher, a role model, a leader and an inspiration”.

 Segun Ogunsanya, chief executive officer and managing director of Airtel Nigeria, who was also at the programme, said education is a ticket to prosperity, “since it creates a level field for everyone to succeed”.

He noted that Airtel’s adoption of schools is not a one-year wonder but a continuing partnership.

The CEO also used the occasion to request support for Sadiq Usman, a five-year-old boy whose eyes were removed by suspected ritualists last year.

“It is tragic and heart-breaking to see an innocent, vulnerable child suffer and go through such excruciating pains,” he said.

“I and My colleagues were deeply moved by Sadiq’s situation and generously supported the call to provide relief.

“Our support will not just end here, Sadiq is our adopted son and he will continue to be our priority and in our prayers. A child is a trust and every member of society has a responsibility towards children – this we must take seriously,” he said.

Yahaya Hamza primary school in Zaria, Kaduna State joins the five other Airtel adopted primary schools spread across Nigeria.

They are namely Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos; St. John’s Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun; Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo; Iyeru Okin Primary School, Ilara-Mokin, Kwara and Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State.